Assistive Technology

SensusAccess 

SensusAccess is a tool that converts PDFs and other digital materials into accessible formats. Simply upload a document, choose an output method, and the converted document will be sent to your Rhodes email address within 10 minutes. For example, you could convert a PDF file into a text file, audio file, or e-book format. 

 

Rhodes maintains a site-wide license for SensusAccess, making it available at no cost to current students and employees. 

 

For more help on using SensusAccess, check out the following resources. 

Additional Resources 

Rhodes College does not formally endorse or recommend specific assistive technology options. The resources listed below serve as examples of assistive technology that may benefit individuals with disabilities by lessening or removing barriers. 

 

Speech-to-Text (Dictation) Software 

Speech-to-text technology, also referred to as dictation software, converts what a user says into text. This technology is particularly useful for individuals with mobility impairments or other disabilities which make it difficult to type or write without the use of an assistive device. Below are some examples of dictation software available to individuals at no charge.  

  • Microsoft Dictate. Platform: Microsoft 365. Dictate is part of Microsoft 365’s Immersive Reader tool suite, which supports Universal Design for Learning. It comes built into Word, OneNote, and Outlook. 

  • Apple Dictation. Platform: Mac, iOS. Dictation comes built into Mac and iOS. 

  • Google Docs Voice Typing. Platform: Chrome, Edge, Safari browsers. Type and edit with your voice for your Google Docs document and your Google Slides speaker notes and captions.  

  • Gboard Keyboard. Platform: Android, iOS. Gboard includes the benefits of Google Keyboard, plus glide typing and the ability to dictate text on the go. 

 

Text-to-Speech Software 

Text-to-Speech (TTS) technology converts text into spoken audio, reading aloud PDFs, websites, and digital books. Most TTS software provides multiple voice options and the ability to adjust the reading speed. TTS software benefits individuals with eyestrain, low vision, learning disabilities, and auditory processors. Below are some examples of free TTS alternatives. 

  • Adobe Acrobat Reader. Platforms: Adobe Acrobat Reader for Mac, Windows, Android, iOS. Read Aloud comes built into Adobe Acrobat. 

  • Apple Speech. Platforms: Mac, iOS. Speech comes built into Mac and iOS. 

 

Notetaking Software 

Notetaking software programs provide tools that assist with organizing and/or recording information. These programs benefit individuals seeking to improve their notetaking skills, organization, focus, and engagement during lectures. Below are some notetaking alternatives that offer some restricted functionality for free.  

  • Microsoft OneNote. Platforms: Web, Windows, Mac, Android, iOS. Feature limitations: Does not transcribe recorded audio. 

  • Evernote. Platforms: Web, Android, iOS. Feature limitations: Does not transcribe recorded audio. 

  • Otter.ai. Platforms: Web, Android, iOS. Feature limitations: Month recording/transcription limits. 

  • tl;dv. Platform: Web. Feature limitations: Live recordings are limited to integration with Google Meet, MS Teams, Zoom. Limited asynchronous lecture uploads. 

 

Screen Magnification Software  

Screen magnifiers magnify everything on the computer screen, including menus, toolbars, and graphics, and benefit individuals with eyestrain, low vision, and blindness. Below are some examples of free screen magnification options. 

  • Apple Zoom. Platforms: Mac, iOS. Zoom comes built into Mac and iOS.